Business compliance operation conducted at 19 auto businesses in Perris results in recovery of 448 catalytic converters, 15 citations

August 18, 2022

A business compliance operation conducted at 19 automotive businesses within the City of Perris resulted in the recovery of 448 catalytic converters and 15 citations for various offenses.

On August 17, the Perris Station Special Enforcement and Problem Oriented Policing Teams (SET/POP), with the assistance of Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Investigators assigned to the Vehicle Dismantler Industry Strike Team (VDIST) conducted a business compliance operation at 19 automotive businesses within the city of Perris.

The locations had been previously identified by members of SET/POP and VDIST as locations for unlicensed activities involving auto dismantling, auto repair, sales of vehicles, and the identification of catalytic converter recycling/buying and illegal sales, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department said.

During the operation, 448 catalytic converters were recovered and 15 citations were issued for various offenses, which included unlicensed business operations.

"Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise and remain a high priority for our agency," the department said. "We encourage vehicle owners to etch or engrave the vehicle license plate or identification number into your catalytic converter to assist law enforcement in recognizing the part as stolen if it is recovered."

Anyone with additional information about this investigation is asked to contact Deputy Colace of the Perris Sheriff's Station at 951-210-1110.